Carmelo Anthony delivers supplies to Sandy victims in New York

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony smiles on the bench during an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, in Philadelphia. The Knicks won 110-88. Michael Perez / AP Photo

Former Syracuse University basketball star Carmelo Anthony saw his hometown devastated by Hurricane Sandy last week, and pitched in to help victims of the superstorm in New York City.

Anthony, who spent his childhood years in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, used his day off from the New York Knicks' schedule Thursday to deliver boxes of food and housing supplies to people in need.

"I wanted to step up to the forefront," Anthony told ESPN. "We all know what Sandy did to our city, especially to Brooklyn, and to Red Hook, with us being right here on the water. It hit us pretty bad, so I feel like I'm the face of Red Hook and I wanted to come back and give back to the place I grew up."

According to USA Today, the NBA All-Star worked with several charities including his own, the Carmelo Anthony Foundation, to hand out 500 boxes of supplies in a housing project on Columbia Avenue.

Residents called it "uplifting" and a "blessing," ESPN reports, while 'Melo humbly said it's "the least I can do, especially at a time like this."

The Madison Square Garden Company is also donating $500,000 to Sandy relief efforts and the MSG Network is hosting a telethon during Friday night's broadcast of the Knicks' game against the Dallas Mavericks in New York. The telecast airs at 7:30 p.m. on MSG TV.

Newsday reports viewers can call 1-212-465-3900 to purchase $100 raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, such as signed sneakers, jerseys and other sports memorabilia from the Knicks, New York Rangers and more. Winners will be announced Nov. 19, and proceeds will be split between the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and the American Red Cross.